This is not your typical travel destinations list. You will not see Iceland, Thailand, Bali or Croatia on this list. They are beautiful destinations and definitely places worth visiting. However, they are all struggling with over-tourism and honestly don’t need any more marketing.

Trust me when I say the world is full of stunning places worth exploring. If you’re looking for inspiration on destinations that are off the beaten path, not overcrowded, full of natural beauty and have a range of activities to suit all travellers, then my list is perfect for you.

Weligama, Sri Lanka

On the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Weligama is nestled between two powerhouses. It can be found 20 minutes west of Mirissa Beach (think Coconut Grove) and 30 minutes east of Unawatuna (think that famous rope swing over the water), in Weligama Bay.

Being in the bay makes it the perfect travel destination and the perfect location to learn how to surf. You can take your pick from any number of surf camps along the shores of the beach. After a morning of hanging ten, grab a healthy smoothie and bite to eat on the rooftop of Hangtime Hostel. Weligama has a lively health food and cafe scene well worth checking out.

In the afternoon walk the length of the beach to the far eastern edge. You’ll find The Swinging Chair, perfect for relaxing or some fun photos. Plus you’ll have a fabulous view of Taprobane Island.

Kununurra, WA, Australia

Kununurra in the Kimberley, Western Australia, should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s close to my heart, having lived for three years. 

Rated the second-best travel destination IN THE WORLD by Flight Centre for 2020. I know first hand all the reasons why.

 It’s the epitome of outback Australia with a splash of relaxed tropical living. Found 834km southwest of Darwin in the NT and 1100km northeast of Broome, Kununurra is brimming with stunning places to explore.

Keeping in mind this is Croc country you need to be very careful where you swim this far north as you may end up being a crocodiles dinner. 

If you like water activities, Lake Argyle is a 45-minute drive away. This man-made, damned lake is 18 times larger than Sydney Harbour. The Ord River winding its way down to Lake Kununurra was created due to this damning, as part of the Ord Irrigation Scheme and has created the perfect spot for fishing, cliff jumping, wakeboarding or lazing about in floaties with a cold beer. 

Head to the famous Gibb River Road for some 4w4 driving,  El Questro Station for a spot of Glamping, some epic outback views at Branco’s Lookout or a relaxing afternoon dip in the natural hot springs of Zeebee Springs. Feeling a little more adventurous why not hike to Emma Gorge or try your luck finding Harry’s Hole swimming spot. 

Tell ’em I sent you

There is an abundance of great restaurants, cafes and pubs in town. You have to try a mango smoothie at Wild Mango Cafe. Whilst you’re trying local flavours, try the rum at the Hoochery Distillery, or head to the Pumphouse Restaurant for some fresh-caught barramundi, straight to your plate.

Take in some awesome local Aboriginal arts and crafts at Artopia, Artlandish, Waringarri or Birdland.

For those that really want the luxe Kimberley experience check out my friend Scotty’s tour company Kimberley Spirit. He’ll look after you and show you Kununurra and The Kimberley at their spectacular best.

For photography that truly captures the pure epicness of this landscape, you have to check out my friend Ben Broady. From astrophotography to majestic boabs and stunning ariels he really brings Kununurra and The Kimberley to life with his photos

Both these fellas are born and bred locals, they’re dead-set legends and know this land like the back of their hands.

Kununurra really is one the best outback Australian travel destinations.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar has been voted the number 1 travel destination for 2020 by Nat Geo, so you better get there quick smart.

It is already seeing a huge uplift in tourism during the busy summer months but it is still just as beautiful and accessible during the shoulder season. It does shut down once the weather becomes too cold toward the end of November.

So, for the perfect mix of low crowds and good weather visit April/May or September/October.

Mostar has a dark history, bearing the brunt of heavy fighting and bloodshed in the early nineties (1992-1995) during the Bosnian War.

Stari Grad (Old Town) is a UNESCO world heritage listed town. Therefore, as you wander around the cobblestone streets you will see buildings from, and restored to their former glory, from the 15th-century Ottoman period.

Mostar’s most famous attraction has to be Stari Most (Old Bridge) that span the Neretva river. It was completely destroyed in 1993 after targeted bombings and shellfire from the Croatian army. The bridge was rebuilt in 2004 and is now a symbol of peace for Mostar and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Head to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and pay to climb the Minaret for the most amazing views of Stari Most and all of Mostar Old Town. It’s worth the 12 euro.

Be sure to take the Free Walking Tour run by local Bosniak Sheva. Sheva is a local, he fought in the war and gives a first-hand account about Mostar, the war and life today for the people that call Mostar home. One not to be missed.

Tam Coc, Vietnam

Vietnam has a plethora of amazing natural beauty to explore. The main attractions in Northern Vietnam are SaPa and Halong Bay.

One travel destination not to be missed, however, is Tam Coc. It’s not called the Halong Bay of the land for no reason. Imagine the huge karst mountains of Halong Bay, on land, accessible by paddle boat. And these boats are paddled by people using their feet.

Tam Coc is 100km south of Hanoi, in Ninh Binh District. It’s beautiful in all seasons with the landscape changing from lush greens to golden yellows, depending on when you visit.

An absolute must is Mua Cave. It’s a trek up 500+ stairs to a beautiful lookout at the top, back down over the river and those huge Karst mountains.

Not only can you enjoy the natural beauty by a foot-powered paddle boat, but you can also hire a pushbike. Cycle through the rice fields filled with quacking ducks and experience local Vietnamese village life.

Or cycle down to the beautiful Bich Dong Temple for sunset and a leisurely cycle back into town for a well deserved Banh Mi or bowl of Pho.

Kotor, Montenegro

Whilst Kotor is emerging as the next Dubrovnik, you are still able to visit with next to no crowds. You just have to pick the right time to travel. The shoulder seasons are great and still have perfect weather. April/May and October/November are the best times to visit.

This beautiful walled old town is so charming with its winding walkways and cobblestone paths. It is purely a pedestrian town with gates on the North, South and West. It’s easy to get lost and walk around in circles on your first day. But with something charming around every corner, it’s the best kind of lost

Take a free walking tour to help you get your bearings quickly. They’re also great for learning the history of Kotor and Montenegro as part of the Former Yugoslavia.

Spend your afternoon hiking to the peak behind Stari Grad Kotor and be amazed by the views atop Castle San Giovanni. The hike should only take roughly 1 hour. But trust me, you’ll be stopping many times to admire the views. Do it slowly and enjoy it over an afternoon.

There are a plethora of lovely restaurants in the walled town but be prepared to pay top dollar. If you’re on a budget, there are a couple of supermarkets just outside the north and south gates.

Don’t forget to try the local red wine called Vranich, grown and produced only in Montenegro.

Luang Prabang, Laos

In the mid-north of Laos on the banks of the Mekong lies Luang Prabang. It was once the royal capital of the country until 1975.

With its French influence, Buddhist temples and stunning waterfalls, it is a town well worth visiting. It is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Town, being listed in 1995 to preserve its unique architecture, religious and cultural heritage.

Spend a morning wandering around the old town taking in the French Colonial Buildings. Followed by visiting any number of beautiful Laotian Buddhist Temples. Before climbing to the peak of Mount Phousi to watch the sunset in the afternoon with 365-degree views.

Be sure to make the journey out to Kuang Si Falls. The falls can be found approximately 30 km away from Luang Prabang. Easily accessible by Tuk Tuk (the driver will wait for you, whilst you enjoy the waterfalls). These turquoise travertine falls are simply stunning. With several pools to swim in and a small hike to the top of the tallest falls, it really is a lovely way to spend a day and keep cool.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans, Louisiana (or NOLA), is an eclectic and electric city that is like no other in the US.

It is a unique city with a rich and dark history. Including the African slave trade, hurricane Katrina, Voodoo and ghost stories and mixes of Spanish Creole and French colonial influences. Talk about a melting pot.

It results in beautiful buildings with balconies that are synonymous with New Orleans. Cuisine can only be found in Louisiana and the famous nightlife and jazz music scene.

Found on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, in the Gulf of Mexico means it’s mostly hot and humid all year round. It has vast swampland and a distinct and often deadly hurricane season.

One hour west of the city is the “Big Houses” or cotton plantations formerly run by wealthy landowners and worked by enslaved African men and women. There is a number open for visitors. The two I recommend are Oak Alley Plantation and Whitney, which is told from the viewpoint of the enslaved. They really are places you must visit to get a real understanding of what happened, how it happened and how America really was built on the back of these enslaved people.

Back in New Orleans, a walk through the Lower Garden District is a must. Wander under the Live Oak Trees covered in resurrection moss and marvel at the beautiful mansions in the area. Riding a trolley car, trying Beignets and visiting the Hurricane Katrina Museum should all be top of your list too.

Do a swamp tour and hang with the local gators, explore voodooism on a free walking tour, learn about witchcraft and catch a live jazz performance.

You won’t ever regret spending time in New Orleans

Moalboal, Cebu, The Philippines

Moalboal is the perfect spot to base yourself for all the best adventure activities Cebu has to offer. As well as the best seafood cafes and whitest sand beaches to relax on when you’ve had enough adventuring. 

Spend a day flinging yourself off the top of waterfalls until you reach the gorgeous and popular Kawasan Falls. Be sure to hire a canyoning guide though.

If that’s a little too much for you, go snorkelling with huge schools of Sardines that frequent the warm waters.

If that all sounds a little too much for you and you’re all about chilling and eating great seafood, then Moalboal is for you. Head to the beautiful White Beach and laze your day away swimming and sunbaking.

Finally, make your way to Panagsama Beach to sit in an overwater restaurant and feast on fresh-caught seafood. Bliss!

Marrakech, Morocco

Step back in time and revel in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. You’ll find locals still getting around using horses and carts. Snake charmers sit in the main square. Exotic spices are piled high and you can quickly get lost in the winding alleyways of Jemaa El Fna Medina.

Behind the mud-coloured walls are beautiful and colourful tiled Riads. Inclusive of palms trees and wading pools to cool you down. Plus roof-top terraces affording you views over all of beautiful old Marrakech.

Haggle your days away in the market buying a myriad of handicrafts. Including clothing, jewellery, hand-made pottery or leather goods. Then venture out at night to try a tagine of goat or buffalo for dinner.

When you’re ready for a change of pace and some culture, ensure you visit Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said and Dar El Bacha.

If time affords you take a day/overnight trip into the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert.

Marrakech really is a unique, intriguing and exciting travel destination.

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, UK

Snowdonia! It sounds like a fictional faraway land from a fairy tale. Alas, it is a real-life National Park and it is beautiful.

In the far northwest corner of Wales, it covers an area of 2132 square kilometres. The area includes beautiful villages, mountains, lakes and castles. Therefore, creating plenty to see and do and get you out in nature.

It’s the perfect road trip destination. Hire a car so you can really explore everything the park has to offer.

Plan to spend a few days in Snowdonia. That way you can really explore places like Conwy and Conwy Castle and the smallest recorded house in the UK.

As well as Swallow Falls, the beautifully quaint village of Betws-y-Coed and further south Harlech Castle.

If you’re short on time, simply driving through the National Park will provide you with beautiful scenes. An absolute must-visit in Wales.

Inle Lake, Myanmar

Myanmar is a burgeoning country, making a splash on the international tourist scene as a must-visit country. It’s mostly thanks to the beautiful temples in Bagan, but there is more to Myanmar than Bagan.

Seven hours east of Bagan is Inle Lake.

A beautiful area surrounded by mountains, home to the famous “foot’ fisherman, the long-neck women of the Kayan Tribe and many floating villages.

Spend an afternoon out on the lake visiting the fisherman and watching how they fish from the edge of their boats using only their feet. Then make your way to a floating village to see how water lilies are propagated and used the create threads that are woven into fabrics.

If you’re feeling very adventurous and have a few days to spare, catch a bus back west approximately 2 hours to Kalaw and then trek back to Inle Lake. it’s a 4-day 3-night trek through the beautiful countryside of Myanmar. You’ll pass through rolling hills of chillies, sesame seeds, pass by water buffalo wading in the mud and spend the night in local villages and temples with novice monks.

For a try flavour of Myanmar chew on some betel nut with the locals. Easily bought at the local shops in the villages.

A true insight into the real Myanmar!

Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia

South Australia’s biggest island and Australia’s third-biggest island, KI is in fact home to a larger population of Koalas than it is Kangaroos.

A short 45-minute ferry ride away from the mainland, it is best to have your car with you when visiting, or at least a hire car, so you can make the most of this unique destination.

The opportunities to explore are endless.

If you can only visit one place on the island make it Seal Bay conservation area on its south coast. A breeding beach for Sea Lions, the only way onto this protected beach is on a guided tour. The Sea Lions rule this beach, lazing about, surfing the waves and hiding in the sand dunes. It really is an amazing wildlife experience.

Flinders Chase National Park on its far western tip offers Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks, Kelly Hill Caves and countless opportunities for bushwalking and glamping in the Australian bush.

Every inch of Kangaroo Island has something to offer and something worth visiting.

You can also take your taste buds on a journey, tasting local Gin, Kangaroo Island Honey, unique to the Island and fresh Marron.

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